This cranberry cinnamon simmering potpourri is something I put together when I want the house to feel warm and welcoming without flipping a switch or lighting a candle. It’s subtle but steady, the kind of scent that quietly fills the space and makes everything feel a little calmer. I usually start this in the late afternoon and let it simmer while I tidy up or cook dinner.

I started making cranberry-based simmers during the holidays when fresh cranberries were always around and I didn’t want them going to waste. Paired with cinnamon, they create a scent that feels festive without being overwhelming. After a few tries adjusting the balance, this version became the one I come back to every winter.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Simmering fruits and spices to scent the home has been around long before modern air fresheners. Cranberries became a popular addition in colder months because of their bright aroma and seasonal availability, especially around late fall and winter holidays.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Naturally fragrant: No artificial scents
Seasonally cozy: Perfect for fall and winter
Very low effort: Simple ingredients, minimal prep
Reusable: Can be refreshed and simmered again
Customizable: Easy to adjust strength
Family-friendly: Alcohol-free and gentle
Holiday-ready: Feels festive without being overpowering

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Use low heat: Gentle steam releases the best aroma
Lightly crush cranberries: Helps release scent faster
Stick with whole cinnamon sticks: Ground cinnamon can cloud the water
Refresh with water: Add more as it evaporates

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Small to medium saucepan: Heavy-bottomed preferred
Measuring cup: For water
Wooden spoon: Optional, for stirring
Stovetop burner: Low and steady heat

Ingredients in This Recipe

Fresh or frozen cranberries: Bright, tart scent that feels clean
Whole cinnamon sticks: Warm, grounding spice
Orange slices or peels: Adds citrus brightness
Whole cloves (optional): Deep, classic spice note
Star anise (optional): Subtle licorice warmth
Water: Carries and releases aroma

Ingredient Substitutions

Fresh cranberries → frozen cranberries: Works just as well
Orange → mandarin or clementine: Slightly sweeter citrus note
Cloves → allspice berries: Softer spice profile
Star anise → extra cinnamon: Keeps things simple

Ingredient Spotlight

Cranberries: Release a crisp, tart aroma when warmed
Cinnamon sticks: Provide long-lasting warmth without bitterness

Cranberry Cinnamon Simmering Potpourri

This simmering potpourri combines fresh cranberries and cinnamon sticks simmered in water to create a fragrant, festive aroma. The tartness of the cranberries and the warm spice of the cinnamon produce a layered, homey scent with a clear, slightly syrupy appearance as it gently bubbles. It fills the space with a bright, cozy fragrance perfect for holiday decorating or seasonal ambiance.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 30

Total Time 35

Servings: 1

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Seasonal

Calories: 50

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

Fresh or frozen cranberries: Bright tart scent that feels clean
Whole cinnamon sticks: Warm grounding spice
Orange slices or peels: Adds citrus brightness
Whole cloves optional: Deep, classic spice note
Star anise optional: Subtle licorice warmth
Water: Carries and releases aroma

Equipment

Small to medium saucepan: Heavy-bottomed preferred
Measuring cup: For water
Wooden spoon: Optional, for stirring
Stovetop burner: Low and steady heat

Method

Add ingredients to pot: Place cranberries, cinnamon, citrus, spices, and water into a saucepan
Heat gently: Bring to a light simmer over low heat
Reduce heat: Keep just below a boil
Simmer: Let it steam for 1–3 hours
Refresh as needed: Add water to maintain liquid level

Notes

Keep an eye on water level during simmering; top up with hot water if needed to prevent burning and maintain aroma. For extra cozy scent, add a few drops of vanilla extract after simmering.

Christmas Deviled Eggs Recipe

Roasted Fall Vegetable Soup Recipe

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Refrigerate leftovers: Store ingredients in water up to 2 days
Reheat gently: Add fresh water before simmering again
Discard after second use: Aroma weakens over time

How to Use This Simmer

Daily comfort: Run while cooking or relaxing
Before guests arrive: Start about 30 minutes ahead
Evening routine: Let it simmer during downtime

Creative Leftover Transformations

Second-day simmer: Add fresh cranberries or citrus
Holiday refresh: Add rosemary or pine sprigs
Outdoor use: Simmer on a portable burner

Additional Tips

Use citrus peels: Especially after juicing
No exact measurements needed: Adjust freely
Trust your nose: Strength is personal

Make It a Showstopper

Use a clear pot: Let cranberries and spices be visible
Add fresh garnishes: New cinnamon sticks or citrus slices
Simmer during gatherings: Subtle but memorable

Variations to Try

Cranberry orange: Double the citrus
Vanilla cranberry: Add a split vanilla bean
Herbal winter: Add rosemary or bay leaf
Extra spice: Add a few allspice berries
Minimalist: Cranberries and cinnamon only

FAQ’s

Can I use frozen cranberries?: Yes, they work perfectly
Is this safe to simmer for hours?: Yes, on low heat with water monitored
Can I drink this?: No, it’s for scent only
Can I use a slow cooker?: Yes, on LOW
How strong is the scent?: Gentle and steady
Can I reuse the ingredients?: Usually once
Is it pet-safe?: Generally yes, with ventilation
Do I need to add sugar?: No
Can I use ground cinnamon?: Whole sticks work best
Will it scent the whole house?: Best for nearby rooms

Himani Jawa

Hi there! I’m Himani and welcome to Val’s Recipe Box. This little corner of the internet didn’t begin with me. It began with Val my neighbourhood aunt whose kitchen held more warmth than any fireplace ever could.